Noninvasive respiratory support.

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) refers to the delivery of ventilatory support using techniques that do not require an endotracheal airway. Noninvasive ventilation is being used with increased frequency in a variety of clinical situations in the emergency department, intensive care unit, and prehospital environment. This article reviews the history of NIV, the rationale for its use, and the evidence of efficacy in both the adult and pediatric literature. This article also describes equipment and techniques currently available for administration of NIV as well as new trends in noninvasive respiratory support.